The Good:
All kinds of products, including appliances at fair prices
Eyeglasses! (you take a number, present your prescription and choose some frames. Pick up at another time.) If you use your HSA to pay for frames, this can really save.
Food: best tuna in cans, great deal on romaine lettuces (6 heads in a pack), specialty crackers like almond flour crackers (gluten free) All kinds of foods and the Kirkland brand is usually excellent.
A huge selection of pre-made, ready to bake dinner entrees. If you are taking care of a family and working, this beats takeout by a country mile. Invest in a freezer and stock some dinners so you aren't facing the awfulness of coming home after working nine hours to people staring at you with tongues hanging out "what's for dinner?" I don't like working a second shift, and I'll bet you don't either. You can get the freezer at Costco, too.
The Bad:
The parking lot. I mean, it IS in Christiana's mall region. IYKYK. You'll have to mastermind how to get in and navigate the rows that have traffic coming at you. Figure out your best route in and parking strategy (walking is good for you) and above all, try not to NOT come here Friday, weekends and the day before a big holiday if you can avoid it. If you have to shop at peak hours, bring a buddy to ride shotg-n and for moral support.
The Ugly:
Your bill will never be less than two Benjamins. If you're lucky. It's just how they roll. You will tend to over-buy because the sizes are warehouse size, not single person, studio apartment size. So plot out a strategy; shop with a friend is what I do; we split up the mushrooms, butter and romaine, for example. Best to plan and do an inventory at home before you shop. That way, you'll come less often. I know someone who inventories her freezer. It sounds OCD but it isn't. If you have a larger family, extended family or do a lot of entertaining, Costco has better quality for excellent prices but planning on your part is a must.
SUMMARY: In a sales-tax free state, Costco can be a really great addition to your shopping. The membership is worthwhile for large purchases and families who wish to prepare meals at home and for people who entertain. The parking lot is a bit hairy. read more